Lukáš Sedlák's pivotal goal with just 2 minutes and 25 seconds remaining on the clock capped off a late-game surge from Pardubice, securing a 4-3 victory.
The defeat was all the more galling for AIK, as Pardubice's two late goals came after three consecutive powerplays for the Swedish team. They failed to put the game to bed, and Pardubice took advantage of some ragged AIK defending to win the match with two late goals.
This untidy display compares unfavorably with AIK's 4-0 romp over Salzburg on Friday.
– It's frustrating, of course. I think we put on a good performance, and I don't think they deserved to win. Maybe we could have been sharper in powerplay, then we would have won this game, I believe, says Elias Salomonsson.
What goes through the team's mind when you see them come back to win 4-3?
– Of course, it's disappointing. We had the momentum throughout the third period and had many opportunities. But it's tough, and that's hockey.
The CHL weekend ended up even at one win and one loss. Still, Salomonsson remains positive.
– Despite that, I think it's a decent weekend. It's disappointing to lose today, but we have a lot to build on.
Do you see a lot of potential for the season?
Definitely, we're strong and confident in our game. There's a lot that's going well, so we'll build on that. And, of course, we'll improve our powerplays.
Fact box
Skellefteå AIK – Dynamo Pardubice 3–4 (2–2, 1–0, 0–2)
Goals: 0–1 (09.44) Jan Mandat (Ceresnak), 1–1 (11.13) Jonathan Johnson (Salomonsson, Hugg), 2–1 (12.27) Linus Lindström (Sandberg, Granberg), playing four against five, 2–2 (14.01) David Cienciala (Hyka, Ceresnak), playing four against five, 3–2 (28.03) Martins Dzierkals, 3–3 (53.21) Adam Musil (Kostalek), 3–4 (57.45) Lukas Sednak (Dvorak, Hyka).
Shots: 38–24 (15–8, 8–11, 15–5)
Powerplay minutes: 6–12 (6–4, 0–0, 0–8)
Attendance: 3,148
Umpires: Tobias Björk, Linus Öhlund.
